Startup Freelancers are on the Rise: Are You Hiring?

We enter the age of freelancers. A new breed of workers redefining the traditional 9-to-5 job. Plus, more and more people are interested in being freelancers, as they can work wherever they want and whenever they take up new projects.

For initial startups, this is good news. Most of them don’t have the funds to bring on a whole set of employees. Thus, getting things running with the help of freelancers could be a better solution.

No wonder, many startups are now pouring more money to pay for freelancers. The startup founders realise that they can have their startup running with lower cost. Thanks to technology and freelancers.

What kind of freelancers should we hire?

Many fields are available with freelancers who have particular skill sets that are on demand. From graphic design, to content marketing. From programming to accounting. Freelancers are much easier to hire too with so many freelancers’ platforms around.

Running a startup takes more than 40-hours a week. Startup founders are putting more of their focus and energy to get their startup up and running. They are more likely to hire people who don’t stick to a 9-5 schedule. Fortunately, freelancers do not come into this category. Just like startup founders, freelancers are willing to work on ‘weird’ schedules, as long as they are comfortable with it.

Things are even better for the startups as hiring freelancers help to lower overhead cost. They don’t get any allowances or other perks and benefits. Plus, freelancers don’t need a physical office, since they work by themselves from anywhere around the world.

From the freelancer point of view, they have priceless freedom by not being present at least 8 hours a day. Freelancers also have opportunities to create a stunning portfolio of diverse clients rather than sticking with one employer. A win-win solution, right?

Where to find freelancers?

Well, freelancers are everywhere. However, they have their gathering place. For example, you can find talented freelance graphic designers on Dribbble, brilliant writers on Contently and WriterAccess, or experienced programmers on Github.

Hence, if you want to find other options, you can check out a comprehensive list of talent pool platforms, such as LinkedIn, Craigslist, PeoplePerHour, and Elance and oDesk. Also, take a look at Startup Jobs Asia “freelancer” section, here. Your startup can post a freelance job opportunities and your ideal freelancer might not be that far away.